Pre-infusion Aerobic Cycling Exercise for CardioRespiratory Fitness in Cancer Patients

Summary

Background to this Research Patients who undergo cancer treatment involving chemotherapy or immunotherapy, can experience considerable reductions in their fitness levels. This is a concern, as exercise is a really important part of cancer care. Therefore delivering exercise programmes that support patients during their chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatment will be essential to helping people to maintain their fitness levels. Research is needed to examine the best way to introduce exercise into the patient pathway in a way that is convenient and patient-centred. The Specific Questions Being Asked This research project aims to examine the effect of an exercise programme which involves exercising on the cancer treatment day ward with a physiotherapist while waiting for treatment infusion as a safe and effective way of supporting patients to keep fit and active during chemotherapy treatment. The trial will also investigate if it the prescribed moderate intensity exercise for 30 minutes is manageable for patients. Trial Plan This project will be delivered as a randomised controlled trial. All participants enrolled on the trial will receive information and advice about physical activity during chemotherapy treatment from a physiotherapist with expertise in cancer care. The intervention arm will also complete an exercise session with the physiotherapist on the day of their infusion treatment over a period of 12 weeks. The feasibility of this protocol has already been tested in 17 participants with very positive results. The information gained from this initial study will be used to deliver this trial, which will recruit 80 participants. It is hoped that the information gained from this research will provide a practical way of providing supervised exercise training for patients during chemotherapy or immunotherapy that is safe, expert-led and patient centred.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged \>18.

Histological confirmed diagnosis of stage I to IIIc breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer.

Scheduled to receive chemotherapy ± immunotherapy with curative intent over at least a 12-week period.

Medical clearance from oncologist to partake in regular exercise in accordance with ACSM preparticipation screening algorithm.

Able to use exercise bike independently.

Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Advanced/metastatic disease.

Scheduled to receive concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

New pain or other pain that would preclude ability to use bike.

Inability to read and understand English.

Deemed unfit to proceed from results of CPET.

Unstable angina, arrhythmia, hypertension or decompensated heart failure.

Dementia or psychiatric illness which would preclude safe independent exercise.

Acute untreated embolus/infarct.

Dissecting aneurysm.

Acute myocarditis or pericarditis.

Conditions1

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